16 day post op swelling after Tummy tuck, does it look normal? (photos)

Question

I had my tummy tuck 31st march 2015 with no liposuction . I had a drain for 3 days. Swelling on my upper abdominal is reducing but around my belly button area and around my incision is swollen. I saw a nurse who removed the bandages on tues 14th april who said its normal but im worried its not and im not seeing my consultant for 3 weeks . I have posted my pre op and evening pics when im the most swollen. Im now 16 days pre op does it look normal ?

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear Lsanne84,  Your swelling at 2 weeks is completely normal. Post-operative swelling can last many weeks to several months after a tummy tuck. Closely follow your surgeons instructions and you will begin to see your final results in no time at all. Good luck. Dr. Gervais

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, it is normal to still have a lot of swelling in the third week after a tummy tuck.. The fact the swelling is more in the evening is common as you are on your feet. Good Luck when you see your plastic surgeon.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

I believe this looks very normal for 3 weeks post op. I tell all my patients it will take 3-4 months for all the swelling to resolve. Your activity level will also affect the amount of swelling. The more active you are the more swelling. If you experience a sudden or drastic change I would contact your PS. I hope this relieves some of your concerns.

John A. Millard, MD, FACS · Answer

Great Question and thank you for the pictures.  Your swelling is very normal at this point.  I tell my patients that the swelling is worse the first 2-3 weeks and starts to get better afterwards.  Eight weeks is the first milestone, where, when you wake up first thing in the morning, you are seeing a hint of your final result, though, you will continue to swell throughout the day.  Typically at 16 weeks your pretty close to your final results, though there are very minor changes that occur up to about one year out from your procedure.  By the way, it appears that you are going to have a great result, based on your pictures.  Your surgeon performed a very good tummy tuck, at least in my opinion!

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

It is fairly routine to have swelling in the abdominal area after a tummy tuck.  The skin flap has been traumatized and therefore will swell.  This swelling should go down in about 30-60 days.

Benjamin Norris, MbCHb, FRACS(Plast) · Answer

Please understand that you have had quite a big surgery and most people do take weeks to recover from this type of surgery. Yes, this will improve and yes this is normal. Wait like your surgeon has instructed and then re assess in 3 weeks.Good Luck

Patrick Briggs, FRCS, FRCSI (Plast Surg) (retired) · Answer

it is possible that you have a seroma--a collection of fluid under the skin. This needs to be drained with the needle. Consult with your plastic surgeon to see this is what is happening.

16 day post op swelling after Tummy tuck, does it look normal? (photos)

Answers (7)

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